Patient seesaw
Three low notes wait their turn, then one step up on beat 4. One of the root and fifth patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need C (little finger, 5) and G (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play C on 1, 2& and 3, then G on 4.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: G and D. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Patient seesaw on piano?
Three low notes wait their turn, then one step up on beat 4. Root and fifth alternating: country, folk and march bass. Musicians call it root-fifth 1-1-1-5.
Is Patient seesaw hard to play?
It is a beginner pattern. Play it with your left hand alone at 60% speed until it feels steady, then add the other hand.
Which songs use Patient seesaw?
Take That Look Off Your Face by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Shilo by Neil Diamond and Have You Ever Seen The Rain? by Creedence Clearwater Revival use Patient seesaw. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.